Zune Thoughts: Microsoft and Samsung Share Patents: Zune to Benefit?

"Microsoft will gain access to Samsung patents relating to digital media and computer-related inventions... Kaefer pointed to Microsoft products like the Xbox gaming system, the Zune MP3 player and Windows-based PCs as those "that can stand to benefit" from the Samsung deal."

Microsoft and Samsung have apparently inked a deal to share some of their respective patents. In particular, Microsoft will gain access to Samsung patents relating to digital media. As pointed out in the article, we probably won't see Microsoft and Samsung technicians working together. Rather this deal basically opens the door for Microsoft to incorporate Samsung technologies into its own products without fear of legal ramifications. The Zune could potentially be one of the beneficiaries of this agreement. While Samsung isn't an impact player in the MP3 arena, they do utilize some interesting technologies in their line of players, including the use of OLED displays.